The governments of Odisha and West Bengal have initiated large-scale evacuations and ordered the closure of educational institutions in vulnerable areas as Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast in the early hours of October 25. With wind speeds predicted to reach 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, both states are on high alert, preparing for the cyclone’s impact.
The Odisha government is taking extensive precautions, planning to evacuate over 10 lakh (one million) people from approximately 3,000 villages across 14 districts. According to a report by PTI, more than half of the state's population could be affected by the cyclone. Special relief camps have been set up to accommodate those being moved from vulnerable areas. Multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters have been identified, and arrangements for food, drinking water, lighting, sanitation, and health facilities have been made for those taking refuge.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari emphasized that essential supplies and emergency services are in place. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called on all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to work closely with local authorities in rescue and relief operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed 14 districts in Odisha on alert, including Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj. Educational institutions across these districts, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain closed from October 23 to 25 as a safety measure.
In neighboring West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the closure of schools in seven districts—South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly—from October 23 to 26. These areas are expected to bear the brunt of Cyclone Dana.
The cyclone has also severely impacted train movement, with numerous cancellations reported across both states. In Odisha, 198 trains, including express and passenger services, have been cancelled. Affected trains include the Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express, and Howrah-Yesvantpur Express. Similarly, in West Bengal, more than 150 trains have been suspended, including major services such as the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express and Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express.
The East Coast Railways and South Eastern Railway authorities have taken these measures to ensure the safety of passengers during the cyclone.
The Indian Coast Guard is on full alert, having mobilized vessels and aircraft to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to Cyclone Dana. The Coast Guard has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from October 23 to 25, as wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are likely to reach 60 kmph, with a further increase as the cyclone approaches.
IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra stated that the cyclone would bring torrential rainfall and high winds across the eastern coastline, affecting areas from Puri in Odisha to the Sagar Islands in West Bengal.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, both Odisha and West Bengal remain on high alert, taking every possible step to minimize damage and ensure the safety of residents.
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